Yackity yack -- let's talk!

Sometimes this is how the business of writing and publishing feels. But the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) tries very hard to make it feel more like this:

...doable--with practice and focus. After an amazing international conference in LA this past weekend where 1200 people gathered to commune about making children's books, I'm inspired and a little bit awed by the greatness there. My take aways:1. Writing and illustrating books is really hard work, even for the ones who make it look easy. It's ok to feel overwhelmed much of the time. 2. Passion is the first requirement to success. Without it, even perserverence and talent won't get the job done. 3. There is always someone who can provide insight into whatever issue we have in the industry. We just need to be open enough to ask.

Here are some links to posts and articles about the conference. Read them and start hoarding quarters to pay for next year's conference. If you can possibly attend, you won't regret it. Dorine WhiteJay AsherPublishers WeeklyExcuse me. I have to go practice my tree pose.